Monkey and Elephant Get Better: Candlewick Sparks - Hardcover

Schaefer, Carole Lexa

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0763648418 ISBN 13: 9780763648411

Publisher: Candlewick, 2013

Synopsis

When two friends who are not exactly alike come down with colds, figuring out what will make each other feel better can be a surprising endeavor!

Monkey and Elephant are very good friends who have a lot in common. They both like morning time. They both like shiny rocks. And they both like to hear their own voices: “TAH. TAH. TAH.” But Monkey is Monkey and Elephant is Elephant. They are not exactly the same. So when Elephant starts to sneeze — achoo! — Monkey has her own ideas of what will make him feel better. And when Monkey gets the sniffles, Elephant has his own ideas of what will make her feel better. Maybe there’s more than one way to enjoy a soft pile of hay, some fresh water, and a bit of entertainment!

About this title

About the Author

Carole Lexa Schaefer is the author of many acclaimed picture books for children, including Down in the Woods at Sleepytime, illustrated by Vanessa Cabban; The Bora-Bora Dress, illustrated by Catherine Stock; and Big Little Monkey, illustrated by Pierre Pratt. Carole Lexa Schaefer lives on Camano Island, in Washington State.

Galia Bernstein was born and raised in Israel and moved to New York in 1999 to study at Parsons the New School for Design. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Reviews

K-Gr 2-Elephant likes to parrot everything Monkey says until, "Achoo!" Monkey sneezes. Elephant sneezes-once, twice, three times, and suddenly he feels sick. Monkey takes care of him, with soft hay to rest on, fresh water to drink, and rock juggling to entertain him. No sooner than Elephant recoups, Monkey feels under the weather. Elephant takes care of her by bringing her hay and water to cool her forehead and playing trunk trumpet songs to amuse her. The simple, yet detailed digital illustrations and cool palette complement the mood and message of the text. This follow-up to Monkey and Elephant (Candlewick, 2012) contains endearing dialogue between the two characters. Their expressive faces, gestures, and words convey the interactions of true friends. Monkey and Elephant have distinct voices that would make this a great read-aloud. The story also has the appropriate pacing and length for youngsters transitioning to independent reading with books like Mo Willems's "Elephant and Piggie" series (Hyperion).-Lindsay Persohn, University of South Florida, Tampaα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Constructed around the explicit lesson that “you are you and I am me,” this sequel to 2012’s Monkey and Elephant will engage newly emergent readers. In three chapters, Monkey first expresses annoyance when Elephant copies her, then provides TLC when Elephant comes down with a cold, and finally receives the same when she in turn develops the sneezles. Bernstein depicts the two friends in a woodsy setting, makes them large on the page so their changing expressions will be easy to track, and adds a touch of playfulness by coloring the trees lavender and Elephant a greenish turquoise. With its simply written text and plotline, this low-key episode will spark feelings of sympathy in readers as Monkey and Elephant “get better” at being themselves. It could easily lead to a general discussion of differences in shape, behavior, and abilities, too. Grades K-3. --John Peters

Edition details

• Publisher: Candlewick
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0763648418
• ISBN 13: 9780763648411
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Bernstein Galia
• Number of pages: 48